FOOD SECURITY : VP tasks army to up production

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr Philip Mpango on Saturday launched  the National Service (JKT) week-long exhibitions to mark 60 years since its inception, directing the unit to increase food production to make the country feed the entire continent and the rest of the world.

The VP further asked JKT to invest in the use of technology in different activities being undertaken by the army including training youth joining the army.

He commended the National Service for its various projects currently being implemented, saying they had immensely contributed and catalysed the country’s economy.

Dr Mpango launched the exhibitions to mark 60 years of the National Service at a colourful event attended by senior army officials, Members of Parliament and other top government officials.

The event was showered by entertainment showcased by various talents from the army.

The climax of the celebrations to mark 60-years of the army is expected to be officiated by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan on July 10 at the popular Jamhuri Stadium in the country’s capital, Dodoma.

JKT was introduced on July 10, 1963 aiming at equipping Tanzanian youths with the requisite knowledge, skills and cultural values which will enable them to contribute positively to the social-economic development as well as to the Defence and security of the Nation.

Through the National Service, Tanzania’s main focus was to be a country whose youths are well nurtured so as to constitute a productive part of the society which has a high sense of Confidence, Self-discipline, Patriotism, Brotherhood,Co-operation and Responsibility, among others.

At the exhibition centre located at Suma-JKT house in Dodoma, the army unit will until July 09 be showcasing various services offered by the army, the exhibitions which are also engaging stakeholders working with JKT who are also showcasing their products.

At the launching of the exhibitions, the Vice -President also asked the National Service to join efforts by President Samia in preserving and protecting the environment.

“I urge you to make sure that the army is protecting all water sources and planting trees at all the camps countrywide,” he noted.

Dr Mpango also asked JKT to inculcate into youths patriotism and train them by considering  cultures of Tanzania as he reiterated that the majority of youths had recently been behaving contrary to the country’s cultures and traditions.

However, he gave kudos to the National Service for its contribution to the national economy through several projects that it was implementing in different parts of the country.

Earlier in the morning, the VP launched a tower to mark 60 years of JKT at the National Service Headquarters located in Chamwino District as well as planting a tree, leading by example in the protection of the environment.

In his remarks before inviting the VP to the podium, the Minister for Defence and National Service, Innocent Bashungwa said through the economic wing of the National Service, Suma-JKT, several development projects had been implemented this contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as well as helping the army to provide dividend to the Central Government.

Earlier on, the Chief of National Service (CNS), Major General, Rajabu Mabele said that apart from the exhibitions which kicked off on Saturday, during the JKT week, the army will undertake several other activities ahead of the D-Day to be marked on July 10.

They include among others, free medical services, counselling, blood donation, showcasing of different kinds of animals for persons who are unable to visit the national parks as well as bonanza for football, netball and basketball.